HC Deb 20 October 1949 vol 468 c737
21. Mr. Erroll

asked the President of the Board of Trade why he is permitting during September and October imports from the United States of America of 1,200,000 cheap American novelettes and Hollywood romances; and if he will take steps to see that these are re-exported to hard currency areas to ensure that no loss of dollars to this country is entailed.

Mr. H. Wilson

No licences to import books of fiction from the United States have been granted during the last four months. In some cases, however, orders had been placed with suppliers in the United States under the authority of licences previously issued. It was a condition of such licences that at least 50 per cent. by value of imports must be re-exported.

Mr. Erroll

Since the right hon. Gentleman admits the bulk of the information in the Question, can he say why it is necessary at the present time to import books bearing titles such as "Murder by Marriage," "Love is the Winner," "Miss Dilly says No," "Lady Godiva and Master Tom"?

Mr. Wilson

I have not the same knowledge of this literature as the hon. Gentleman. I have already answered him by saying that no new licences have been issued during the last four months.